Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Darryl Scotti, Owner

Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. provides event and party planning services for corporate clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The company primarily focuses on organizing and hosting corporate events such as theme parties, team building, corporate retreats, and company picnics (as well as grad nights for high schools and university events). DSE, Inc. also offers event brand marketing services, from producing spectacles and brand awareness to community and civic events.

Owner Darryl Scotti entered the corporate entertainment industry in 1987 after spending several years as a touring musician, and he says that experience has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to design and produce successful events. “Our core value has always been execution of service, which is what being a professional entertainer is all about. We specialize in helping our clients achieve performance goals that make a business difference.”

All of Darryl Scotti Events’ website brands feature a variety of interactive tools that are designed to make the event planning process as straightforward as possible for its clients, including scheduling checklists, printable budget planners, planning guides, and RSVP and Save the Date flyers. “Preparation is crucial for any successful event, so we always make sure our clients have the planning tools they need,” says Mr. Scotti. “That way, they’re free to relax and fully experience their events while we do all the heavy lifting.”

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Darryl Scotti Events, Inc.

A recent onsite campus event by Darryl Scotti Events

Company Profile

Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. provides event and party planning services for corporate clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond. The company primarily focuses on organizing and hosting corporate events such as theme parties, team building, corporate retreats, and company picnics (as well as grad nights for high schools and university events). DSE, Inc. also offers event brand marketing services, from producing spectacles and brand awareness to community and civic events.

Owner Darryl Scotti entered the corporate entertainment industry in 1987 after spending several years as a touring musician, and he says that experience has given him a unique perspective on what it takes to design and produce successful events. “Our core value has always been execution of service, which is what being a professional entertainer is all about. We specialize in helping our clients achieve performance goals that make a business difference.”

All of Darryl Scotti Events’ website brands feature a variety of interactive tools that are designed to make the event planning process as straightforward as possible for its clients, including scheduling checklists, printable budget planners, planning guides, and RSVP and Save the Date flyers. “Preparation is crucial for any successful event, so we always make sure our clients have the planning tools they need,” says Mr. Scotti. “That way, they’re free to relax and fully experience their events while we do all the heavy lifting.”

Company Philosophy

“We've been helping our valued customers achieve their event goals since 1987. By bringing together the right elements and paying attention to details, we're able to provide highly targeted solutions that allow our clients to achieve greater brand awareness and customer loyalty.”

Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for event planning companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Darryl Scotti Events, Inc., the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: strike a balance between time-earned expertise and cutting-edge prowess on every job. “We have a lot more experience than most of our competitors, but we’re also not stuck in the past, so we make every effort to stay current with the latest industry trends and equipment,” says owner Darryl Scotti. “By taking such a diverse approach to event planning, we’re able to help our clients achieve performance goals that make a real business difference.”

Darryl Scotti Events has been providing event and party planning services for corporate clients throughout the Bay Area and beyond since 1987. The company’s primary focus is organizing and hosting corporate events like theme parties, company picnics and team building retreats (as well as grad nights for high schools), but it also offers event branding and marketing services that include radio advertising, billboard creation, and more.

Unlike less experienced event planning companies that outsource most of their equipment and services, Darryl Scotti Events is able to provide almost everything in-house. “In addition to handling all aspects on the planning side, we own 90 percent of the equipment that we use for our events,” affirms Mr. Scotti. “Not only does this enable us to be more competitive price-wise, it also improves our efficiency because we don’t have to rely on multiple parties to obtain and set up equipment.”

Another distinguishing attribute of Darryl Scotti Events is its ability to offer such a wide variety of event services. “While we specialize in corporate events, we also handle events like birthday parties and holiday galas and rent out party supplies like inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses,” explains Mr. Scotti. “We focus on providing our clients with everything they need so they can relax and enjoy their events.”

Industry Info

If you’re a business owner, consider the benefits of holding a team-building event. While birthday parties, graduations and holidays have always been big business for event planning companies, an area of increasing demand is corporate team-building events. “Team-building and motivational events are the fastest growing part of this industry,” says Darryl Scotti, owner of Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. in Santa Clara. “Whether it’s a relatively young company or one that’s well-established, business owners have been witnessing the beneficial results that motivational events can have for their teams.”

Mr. Scotti says a company team-building event is a worthwhile investment for any business owner. “If you’re a CEO and you want to motivate your employees, you have a couple of options. You can give each employee a $50 check, or you can invest in a team-building event at the cost of $50 per person. The difference is clear—in addition to improving their collective morale, your employees will remember a fun event for a lot longer than they’d remember a $50 check.”

According to Mr. Scotti, the success of a party planner in facilitating a team-building event isn’t measured as much by its aesthetic aspects as it is by the attainment of its intended goals. “You shouldn’t look at the event as being successful because it looked nice and the food was good,” he says. “Rather, you should consider it a success if it improves relationships within your company.”

Circumventing legal issues with casino parties
A casino party is a fun way to celebrate a graduation or facilitate a fundraiser, but when it comes to gaming, event planning companies have to be careful to remain on the right side of the law. How do they do it? As Mr. Scotti explains, a gaming activity isn’t considered gambling unless prizes are awarded as a direct result of winning. “At a casino event, rather than playing for prizes directly, party attendees exchange their chips for tickets that correspond to a raffle drawing at the end of the night,” he says. “That way, everyone has a chance to win a prize—those who are lucky at the gaming tables merely improve their odds.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far in advance should I plan my event?

A: It depends on the size and scope of the event, but it’s never too early to call us and start planning. For seasonal events, we recommend calling at least three to four months in advance, but we’ve planned successful events for large groups in as little as two weeks.

Q: Can you recommend a venue for my event?

A: Certainly. We’re familiar with all the prominent local event venues, and we do research to determine which venue will be the best fit for your event.

Q: Can you handle aspects like price negotiation and legalities?

A: Yes. We can negotiate price with the venue on your behalf and make sure your event is fully covered through our general liability insurance.

Q: Can you help me hire a valet service?

A: Absolutely. That’s one of the few services we don’t offer in-house, but we have longstanding relationships with several reputable valet companies and can help you find the right one for your event.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Darryl Scotti

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Darryl Scotti: An Eventful Life

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SANTA CLARA — For Darryl Scotti, becoming owner of Santa Clara’s premier event planning company was the culmination of a gradual series of career developments, each of which served to equip him for success in his ultimate entrepreneurial endeavor. It all began in his early years, when he was hired as a guitarist for the band Spiral Starecase. “We were known for the hit song, ‘More Today than Yesterday,’” he says. “After seven years of touring in the ’70s, it got to the point where every town looked the same as the last, and I realized it wasn’t the life I wanted.”

Following his stint as a professional musician, Darryl found himself handling an entirely new responsibility after a need arose at his family’s business. “Soon after I left the band, my father became sick, so I went to help out at our family’s restaurant in Santa Cruz,” he remembers. “After he passed away, I took over the restaurant and continued to manage it for a few years, wherein I learned a lot about business administration. I also learned how difficult the restaurant business is, so I decided to get back into the entertainment industry—this time as a broker, agent, producer and promoter.”

It was during the course of his second music career that Darryl came across a unique and lucrative prospect. “As a producer and agent in the Silicon Valley, I was introduced to the burgeoning corporate marketplace, where I recognized a huge opportunity,” he remembers. “Utilizing my background in entertainment and experience in the hospitality industry, I decided to start my own event planning company that specialized in corporate events.”

Today, as owner of Darryl Scotti Events, Inc., Darryl says he appreciates the characteristic variety of his career. “When I was in the restaurant business, I enjoyed entertaining people, but the venue was always the same. What I like about this business is that we get to create a similar experience in terms of hospitality and entertainment, but in all different types of settings, which keeps things interesting.”

Outside of work, Darryl engages in a variety of activities, from competing on the golf course to spending time with his wife, Yvonne. “My main leisure activity is golf, which I play two or three times a week,” he says. “I also enjoy spending time with my wife, whether on our weekly Friday date night or taking weekend trips to Palm Springs.” Additionally, Darryl stays busy by being involved with his church and pursuing various music projects.

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Darryl says he’d tackle a couple of items on his bucket list. “I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland and play golf. I’d also like to write a book about some of the life lessons I’ve learned, particularly in regard to obtaining and sustaining personal serenity.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your earliest memory?
A: Sitting next to my mother as a toddler and learning how to eat an apple.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird—I see the sun rise every morning.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: I collect MLB memorabilia. In addition to having a massive San Francisco Giants collection from their three recent World Series wins, I own the 500 Club—that is, I have an autographed ball from every player who has hit more than 500 home runs.

Q: If you were a professional athlete, what number would you wear on your jersey?
A: Number 1, because that’s what I, like any competitive athlete, strive to be in my particular field.

Q: If you could talk to anyone living or dead, who would it be?
A: It’s a tie between Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi.

Expert articles

How to Make the Most of Your Special Event

by Darryl Scotti, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

SANTA CLARA — If you’re planning a special event like a holiday party, fundraiser or corporate team-building retreat, you undoubtedly want it to be smoothly executed and have a positive outcome, and one of the surest ways to accomplish that is to hire a professional event planner.

When working with an event planner, it’s important to fully disclose your expectations for the event. From start to finish, you should have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish and make sure your event planner understands your vision as well. Likewise, it’s crucial to be open and specific about your event budget. An experienced planner can take your budget and work with it much like a person organizes a closet: by making sure the basics are there first and then accessorizing around them.

There are two benefits of clearly disclosing your expectations and budget: you’ll get more bang for your buck and ensure a positive experience for your guests. After all, that’s what your primary goal should be when bringing people together for celebration.

Expert video tip

Video: Considerations for Event Planning

with Darryl Scotti of Darryl Scotti Events

Complete Video Transcription:

SANTA CLARA — Host, Sarah Rutan: When planning an event, it’s important to not only fully disclose your expectations, but to also set a realistic budget. Today we’re in Santa Clara with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Darryl Scotti of Darryl Scotti Events to hear more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Darryl Scotti: I think the best advice is to make sure that you fully disclose your expectations. From start to finish, you want to have a clear idea of really what it is that you want to accomplish. Be specific when it comes to budget, even if you are being conservative, a lot of times people do not want to put out a budget. I know that an experienced planner would be able to take a budget and be able to work it, much like a woman accessorize her closest, making sure that the basics are in place first, then you accessorize around it.

A guest experience is very important from the very first ten minutes of arriving at an event; how they are comfortable, how they are met, how they are greeted, all the way to the very end of your event. So, I think being very clear and disclosing that, for me, I think would be the best advice that I could possibly give. The benefit of that is that, I think you are going to get a bigger bang for your dollar, A). B) You are going to have a better guest experience, and at the end of the day, that’s really what you want to do when you’re bringing people together for celebration.

COMPANY CONTACT

Darryl Scotti Events, Inc.

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Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Darryl Scotti Events, Inc.

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Darryl Scotti Events, Inc.

133 SURVEYS

RATING

5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS SINCEApril 2014CERT2145

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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
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Customer LOYALTY
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Helpful Expertise
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Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
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Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 133 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
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Darryl Scotti Events, Inc.:
Average 9.0 out of 10 based on 133 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Gina B.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

1
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are great. They are thorough, fun, and they are great. Their food was great. It was just awesome.

It was the whole package of them putting together a party for 60 people and me not having to worry about anything.

Sheryl G.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

2
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are very easy to work with and they have great personalities. Whatever you ask for, they try to deliver. This is the second time I have used them and I have just had good experiences.

No matter what you ask for, they can find it or look for it. They are very helpful and they know what they are doing. They have it down.

Monica G.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

3
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are extremely helpful and they make events at our company go very smoothly.

They have competitive prices and of all the caterers we have used in the past, they are the ones who have fulfilled our needs.

Kaitlyn G.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

4
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Darryl Scotti has been with SMTA for years now. They are the ones who help us coordinate our events, company parties, summits, and other gatherings. They are one of the better event planning companies in the area.

The team works well with each other. They have great communication, and they have a lot of experience in the industry.

Jessyca H.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

5
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They did a really good job helping us plan and execute a fun event. They were also very creative about coming up with ideas and activities.

They had a lot of options when it came to food, activities, and themes. Their experience really showed when it came to all of that.

Annmarie H.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

6
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Nothing bad that I would say. They are wonderful. They take care of everything from A to B. You tell them what you are looking for, and they run with it.

The service, they are friendly and great to have around.

Tina M.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

7
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would tell others that they can trust Darryl or Donna to make sure the event is within their budget and within what you would want the event to be like. They are very professional and cover a lot of things to make sure the event is how you want it to be. They are just very thorough.

I think their thoroughness was the best for me. They literally went over every little detail with me.

Teresa M.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

8
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would tell them that Darryl and his team are great. They are able to find the right spot at the right time for the right price. They have so many different connections in the industry that it would be hard to find someone else who could do a better job. They are also cost efficient as well, so for us they are 10's across the board.

They are just very helpful and professional. They care about their customers being satisfied.

Melinda S.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

9
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They have always been top-notch. They are very creative and provide a great level of help and service for us.

They are creative and make each event really fun.

Ashley S.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

10
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I would tell others that they can count on Darryl and Donna. They have done a great job for all our events and gatherings. Darryl Scotti Events is great. Give them a call.

They know what they are doing and really want to make sure things are the way they were presented at the start.

Linda T.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

11
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

This was our first year bringing an event planner/organizer into the events we throw for the company. A lot usually falls on me for the planning and organizing, but I have to say Darryl Scotti Events is able to free up a lot of time and headache for me. They are worth their fees.

They are very organized, communicative, and they want to make sure the event is better than last years.

Alexis W.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

12
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I thought they did a great job. They were very responsive and detailed.

They were very responsive and detailed.

Allison Z.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

13
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They do our annual company event, and they have never let us down. The whole team including Darryl, Derek, and Donna are just great to work with. We never think about using anyone else. Each year, I look forward to working with them.

Just the organization, the quick response time to changes or requests, plus they come prepared.

Bob O.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

14
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It was great, easy setup and easy to take down, and their crew was professional. They were very easy to deal with.

Probably the way that the actual event itself turned out

Marian A.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

15
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are very good and reliable.

The way they do things and the way they organize events

Aileen S.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

16
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are very flexible and they help in the planning process.

That they were flexible, I use them for fundraisers as well as company events. Everybody has different needs and they are able to accommodate that.

Jennifer B.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

17
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are very helpful and very responsive. They take care of everything.

That they take care of everything

Leslie S.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

18
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are reliable, you can trust them, and they provide wonderful service.

They provide great service.

Michelle P.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

19
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They were very good about teaching. They were able to teach the employees who knew nothing about gambling. They were just really nice and they helped to keep the party up.

They were just very organized.

Eve W.

VERIFIED Darryl Scotti Events, Inc. CUSTOMER

20
of
133

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

That they are helpful, reliable, and they have excellent quality of service. They are diligent and they will work with you on numbers.